The weekend passed by in a blink. Mrs. Sheng's surgery was successful and she was currently recuperating in the ICU. Father Sheng refused to leave the hospital without his wife and hence a VIP visitor's room was reserved for the Sheng family members.
Jiaying kept coming by and spending most of her time with the 'in laws'. Seeing Jiaying's dedication, Mr. Sheng felt even more guilty for his son's behavior.
Since mother Sheng's successful surgery, Liang has not returned to the hospital. Initially, Mr. Sheng thought that he was busy with official work but, he came to know very soon that he was not at the office as well.
Thinking that he was going through a rough time with respect to his mother's health and his engagement, Father Sheng decided to give him some space. Since it was just the first day of the week, the official matters were being handled by Mr. Lee.
As for the engagement, it was only announced. No official ceremony was conducted. But the word had spread, thanks to the huge number of media outlets present the other day.
Meili was handling the house and related affairs in the absence of her mother. She was having a tough time, as she had never been responsible for any such thing before. She was missing her bestie dearly. Jinjing was a pro with handling the home.
As the circumstances did not permit, despite her strong feelings for her best friend, initially, she could not call her and when she finally found some time, Jinjing's phone was off.
....
On Jinjing's side
Post the aftermath of the birthday/engagement party, the next day, Jinjing woke up as her former self, happy,lively and cheerful.
But her parents knew her too well, her usually expressive eyes were sans any emotions.
She pretended to be fine but her emotionless eyes betrayed her.
At the breakfast table she finally spoke " ma! Pa! ..... I want to move to city S." Her parents
were taken by surprise but eventually understood the reason behind her decision.
"Ma! Uncle Chen Yufeng is the dean of college Z in city S. Can you please ask him to help me with my admission? I would like to continue my course there."
Chen Yufeng was mama Lee's cousin. He was very close to the Lee's. Even Jinjing had a cordial relation with the Chen family.
"Okay i will talk to him after breakfast. Are you sure you want to move to city S?" Mama Lee confirmed.
"Yes! Ma, Pa! I don't want to stay in this city anymore and i don't want you to completely uproot your life and follow me to city S." Jinjing calmly voiced her thoughts.
"I am an adult now, and you have trained me well enough to take care of myself. I will be fine." Jinjing reassured her concerned parents.
"Then why don't you stay at uncle Chen's, i am sure he will be happy to help. Also little mimmin (uncle Chen's daughter) will be excited to have you over." Mama Lee suggested.
Politely turning her suggestion down, Jinjing said "ma! I would like to be independent. Please..." looking at her darling daughter pleading, mama Lee exchanged a meaningful glance with papa Lee and both agreed to what Jinjing wanted.
Soon after breakfast, mama Lee spoke to her cousin and they agreed upon meeting on Monday for the admission process.
Jinjing heaved a sigh of relief. With the admissions taken care off, she just needed to pack her stuff and move to city S. The enrollment in her present college would be withdrawn by papa Lee once they return from city S.
On sunday morning, before departure, Jinjing took a last look at all her belongings in her room for past so many years. She was sad to leave her parents, her house behind but, she was sure this was for her own good.
Her phone which was off since the night of the disastrous party, was still off and now she removed her SIM and kept it in her drawer.
New city.... new contact.... new life.